Interesting Links for 05-06-2026
Jun. 5th, 2026 12:00 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
andrewducker- 1. FCC To Investigate TV Shows Where The Mom Has Job
- (tags:tv politics satire usa fascism patriarchy )
- 2. How Spain Avoided the Global Populist Backlash
- (tags:inequality spain politics )
- 3. Opinion: It's only funny when the joke is about things I don't like
- (tags:humour funny )
- 4. Cheap, Fast DNA Synthesis
- (tags:genetics )
- 5. What happens if Japan takes in zero immigrants?
- (tags:migration japan doom society )
- 6. Queen bees emerge from special wax chambers
- (tags:bees )
The axe has fallen
Jun. 5th, 2026 06:42 pmrattfanI think I said that the last time I mentioned my dear departed workplace. Now it really has fallen into the abyss.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-05/viq-solutions-australia-court-transcription-winding-down/106763466
It looks like they tried to sell it, after the company tanked back in March and they called in the receivers. No takers, so now the entire justice system in Australia is flailing, because VIQ, previously Auscript, was BIG and now the courts don't have anyone doing most of their transcribing. The Federal Court says it's trying to put something in place itself, but the transcribers haven't heard anything from them. So, good luck with that, FC, you always were the most boring court in the business. Think big companies doing shonky deals, that's what shows up in the FC. Wait a minute, VIQ, you resembled that remark!
Part of me still feels involved, because after years in that job, one develops a sense of responsibility for the courts and wants to see them taken care of properly, getting the vital information they need to run cases. That feeling persisted through several owners of the company, all wanting to make money out of transcriptions. Which you actually can't do. It's an essential service, not a moneymaker.
I was so freaked out by the time I was made redundant at the end of 2024 that it has taken me many months to get over it. The latest owners brought in a voice to text program [cough - AI!] which we were forced to learn. I was not great at it and I guess I couldn't change enough with the job, hence they got rid of me. I never felt any regret for being retired, which I decided to do because I had had way past enough and was past 60 years old. Yes, I might have been able to get another job, but clearly not in this industry, which I worked in for 32 years.
This way, I live on the superannuation [which will work properly the moment the orange horror is an ex-president and/or the freaking Middle East war stops] I do what my mother needs, am available nearby etc, and I don't go any more crazy.
The image in the icon isn't very clear. That's a skull wearing headphones, sitting on a transcriber's desk in front of their computer screen :-) That was set up when somebody did Halloween decorations and then they just left it there.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-05/viq-solutions-australia-court-transcription-winding-down/106763466
It looks like they tried to sell it, after the company tanked back in March and they called in the receivers. No takers, so now the entire justice system in Australia is flailing, because VIQ, previously Auscript, was BIG and now the courts don't have anyone doing most of their transcribing. The Federal Court says it's trying to put something in place itself, but the transcribers haven't heard anything from them. So, good luck with that, FC, you always were the most boring court in the business. Think big companies doing shonky deals, that's what shows up in the FC. Wait a minute, VIQ, you resembled that remark!
Part of me still feels involved, because after years in that job, one develops a sense of responsibility for the courts and wants to see them taken care of properly, getting the vital information they need to run cases. That feeling persisted through several owners of the company, all wanting to make money out of transcriptions. Which you actually can't do. It's an essential service, not a moneymaker.
I was so freaked out by the time I was made redundant at the end of 2024 that it has taken me many months to get over it. The latest owners brought in a voice to text program [cough - AI!] which we were forced to learn. I was not great at it and I guess I couldn't change enough with the job, hence they got rid of me. I never felt any regret for being retired, which I decided to do because I had had way past enough and was past 60 years old. Yes, I might have been able to get another job, but clearly not in this industry, which I worked in for 32 years.
This way, I live on the superannuation [which will work properly the moment the orange horror is an ex-president and/or the freaking Middle East war stops] I do what my mother needs, am available nearby etc, and I don't go any more crazy.
The image in the icon isn't very clear. That's a skull wearing headphones, sitting on a transcriber's desk in front of their computer screen :-) That was set up when somebody did Halloween decorations and then they just left it there.
The Six Word Challenge
Jun. 5th, 2026 10:04 am![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
my_spikesgirl58_feedIt's time! Can't wait to see what folks came up with.
The words:
Hallway
Nominate
Water
Qualifications
Relinquish
Wait
The words:
Hallway
Nominate
Water
Qualifications
Relinquish
Wait
Hi (morning writing, family archives, mom, dad, greycatnext)
Jun. 5th, 2026 06:52 amelainegreySo where have i been? I think there are two things going on. One is i am changing my diet to try and meet some of the MIND[1] diet criteria: being more disciplined about leafy greens (which i like, wasn't quite at a serving every day), trying to get three servings of whole grains -- there were a few places i could easily switch, daily berries serving (twist my arm), regular eggs (instead of poultry). The legumes and fish were already part of what i was doing. And then i looked into how much protein i should be getting and there was a gap. So now sorting that. And meanwhile my already unreliable digestive system had some behaviors that seemed odd, and then addressing that made other things odd, so now i'm learning the difference between insoluble and soluble fiber.
Meanwhile, my indirect wish, that i would loose the weight i put on during the fatigue of the last couple of years, isn't quite being met -- but i have pushed back some of my cravings and binging. Maybe "do you want the yogurt, herring, lima beans, or peanuts" choices helps: i know what the snacks are instead of gravitating to something sweet. (Lima beans are kinda like edamame in my opinion, and can be snacks.)
This preoccupation is boring.
Then there's been some emotional stuff: the third anniversary of Mom's passing is aligning with my Dad's wish to downsize. He's got some urgency, and it's triggered me. I could recognize part was that i've been waiting for this but he's postponed so many times that the urgency is a little maddening. But that didn't seem to be all. I finally realized that her stuff -- her thrifty shopping of high quality things -- was a way we connected. I felt seen in the sense that she taught me certain skills and values (lasting quality vs trendy style). Other teaching (housekeeping) was fraught with her anger and conflict and my lack of skill. So i need to balance my wanting to honor her through respectfully handling her stuff, and my sense i don't have time to deal with the mountain of stuff.
Oh, and there was a stretch of nesting at home. We've gotten a 25 year old bedframe passed on to someone, and got rid of a mattress, moved the couch into the front office, and now need to get rid of the old rug and replace it with one i will like. (I hope.) I thought we would be receiving the new Amish-made recliners soon, but what we know now is that a shipper picks them up on the 11th, and then has a three week circuit during which it will arrive. We are currently sitting on lawn chairs.
[1] https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/mind-diet/ -- it's about getting a certain amount of certain nutrients but isn't a "complete" diet. There are whole swaths of foods that it's neutral on. Also, every source seems to be slightly different which makes me want to scream.
(no subject)
Jun. 5th, 2026 06:03 amravena_kadeDad attended a gym session on his own yesterday. I would like him to do all 9 weeks as it gives him something to do while medical people watching. I am willing to bet he stops by July if his boss gives him more hours.
The cousins are on a cruise so he is home with me the next couple of weekends. I really want to finish up the winter and storm yard clean up even if it rains. I have chores for him...let's see if he does any. Maybe we can visit his sister.
Yesterday I was able to spend 2 hours in the yard planting some of the seedlings I bought 2 weeks ago. I came across a tiny bunny... it could fit in my hand. I was so happy I didn't water it. He wasn't a nesting baby because he was wide eyed and alert and scurried to hide in my Day Lilies. He came out again and sat close by me as I weeded and planted. So Cute. I went out the morning to make sure he didn't eat my zinnias.
As Dad's appointments wind down I am starting my. I have a squish test scheduled for the end of the month. Lefty has been complaining, but I think I have pulled a muscle that is under lefty...but better safe than sorry.
I found out my insurance does not cover any of the new weight loss drugs that many many many people are taking. I suppose it's okay as those drugs can cause many side effects.
I need to get some decent snack foods. I really like melons, but lately the cut up fruit is expensive and then is hard and tasteless. I like cherry tomatoes, but even those are tasteless right now. I do grow my own and enjoy them, but I won't see those until August. Maybe I need to learn to pickle stuff.
The cousins are on a cruise so he is home with me the next couple of weekends. I really want to finish up the winter and storm yard clean up even if it rains. I have chores for him...let's see if he does any. Maybe we can visit his sister.
Yesterday I was able to spend 2 hours in the yard planting some of the seedlings I bought 2 weeks ago. I came across a tiny bunny... it could fit in my hand. I was so happy I didn't water it. He wasn't a nesting baby because he was wide eyed and alert and scurried to hide in my Day Lilies. He came out again and sat close by me as I weeded and planted. So Cute. I went out the morning to make sure he didn't eat my zinnias.
As Dad's appointments wind down I am starting my. I have a squish test scheduled for the end of the month. Lefty has been complaining, but I think I have pulled a muscle that is under lefty...but better safe than sorry.
I found out my insurance does not cover any of the new weight loss drugs that many many many people are taking. I suppose it's okay as those drugs can cause many side effects.
I need to get some decent snack foods. I really like melons, but lately the cut up fruit is expensive and then is hard and tasteless. I like cherry tomatoes, but even those are tasteless right now. I do grow my own and enjoy them, but I won't see those until August. Maybe I need to learn to pickle stuff.
media_gazer_feed
Reuters:
Filings: Xinhuanet, owned by China's official Xinhua news agency, plans to invest ~$162.38M on an “authoritative” AI agent to help promote Xi Jinping's thinking — Xinhuanet (603888.SS), owned by China's official Xinhua news agency, plans to invest over 1.1 billion yuan …
UPDATE: Stream of Dying (The Thousand Nations: The Motley Crew side story)
Jun. 5th, 2026 05:34 amduskpeterson
ONLINE E-BOOK (html, epub, mobi, pdf, and xhtml)
Free at my website.
The Motley Crew (The Thousand Nations). When a young man named Dolan flees from the north, he faces danger on all sides. The Northern Army wants him back. The Empire of Emor wants him dead. His native homeland of Koretia may not want him at all. And his only protection is a man with motives that are mysterious and possibly deadly.
New installment:
Side story | Stream of Dying. All right, so you're captured.
BLOG FICTION
Tempestuous Tours (Crossing Worlds: A Visitor's Guide to the Three Lands #2). A whirlwind tour of the sites in the Three Lands that are most steeped in history, culture, and the occasional pickpocket.
New installments:
UPCOMING FICTION
My next release will be a Law of Vengeance side story: "Wait." You'll encounter a few characters you already know.
My fiction announcements are also available by e-mail and feeds.
Friday Storytime- Downton Abbey/Maurice crossover
Jun. 5th, 2026 10:12 amkitarella_imaginesChapter 9: Caught in the Headlights
After the match, Thomas catches Clive in a compromising position and knows his future at Pendersleigh is certainly doomed.
Content warning for sex scenes.
~~~~
Thomas didn’t get much of a chance to rest however, because after he’d eaten some sandwiches, then changed back into his footman’s uniform, he was called for by Durham. No rest for the wicked, he thought.
“Ah Thomas, there you are,” he said. “Jolly well done today. You’re an excellent cricketer. Splendid man.” He was beaming, his hair had escaped its usual subservience and was fluffing out luxuriantly. “I’d like a bath, please.” He smiled into Thomas’s face and patted his arm.
So would I, thought Thomas, but he said, “of course sir, shall I run it now?”
“Yes please.” Durham hesitated as if he wanted to say something else. “You really are a splendid fellow, Thomas. Your cricketing skills are…outstanding.” His expression was open and admiring, it made Thomas catch his breath at the man’s sheer beauty. “I mean, for a servant.”
“I'll—just—er—” He had to spoil it didn’t he, calling me a servant? He strode to the bathroom and turned on the taps.
“I want a long soak, so don’t hurry back,” the squire instructed him. “Bring fresh towels in an hour.”
Thomas thought Durham would be wrinkled as a prune after that long in the bath, but didn’t say anything.
***
He hadn’t much to do now, so for once he sat down quietly for a rest. The other servants complimented him on his prowess at the cricket match, he’d played a big part in ensuring the estate team had beaten the village team. And for that, he was allowed some rest for an hour. Even Simcox turned a blind eye to Thomas sitting down reading the newspaper.
But then it was off to work again. He fetched the towels from the laundry room and set off to Durham’s bedroom. There was no answer when he knocked, so he quietly tiptoed in. There was a strange thrashing, groaning noise coming from the adjoining bathroom, which was worrying. Was the squire drowning? Thomas prepared for a rescue.
( Read more... )
After the match, Thomas catches Clive in a compromising position and knows his future at Pendersleigh is certainly doomed.
Content warning for sex scenes.
~~~~
Thomas didn’t get much of a chance to rest however, because after he’d eaten some sandwiches, then changed back into his footman’s uniform, he was called for by Durham. No rest for the wicked, he thought.
“Ah Thomas, there you are,” he said. “Jolly well done today. You’re an excellent cricketer. Splendid man.” He was beaming, his hair had escaped its usual subservience and was fluffing out luxuriantly. “I’d like a bath, please.” He smiled into Thomas’s face and patted his arm.
So would I, thought Thomas, but he said, “of course sir, shall I run it now?”
“Yes please.” Durham hesitated as if he wanted to say something else. “You really are a splendid fellow, Thomas. Your cricketing skills are…outstanding.” His expression was open and admiring, it made Thomas catch his breath at the man’s sheer beauty. “I mean, for a servant.”
“I'll—just—er—” He had to spoil it didn’t he, calling me a servant? He strode to the bathroom and turned on the taps.
“I want a long soak, so don’t hurry back,” the squire instructed him. “Bring fresh towels in an hour.”
Thomas thought Durham would be wrinkled as a prune after that long in the bath, but didn’t say anything.
***
He hadn’t much to do now, so for once he sat down quietly for a rest. The other servants complimented him on his prowess at the cricket match, he’d played a big part in ensuring the estate team had beaten the village team. And for that, he was allowed some rest for an hour. Even Simcox turned a blind eye to Thomas sitting down reading the newspaper.
But then it was off to work again. He fetched the towels from the laundry room and set off to Durham’s bedroom. There was no answer when he knocked, so he quietly tiptoed in. There was a strange thrashing, groaning noise coming from the adjoining bathroom, which was worrying. Was the squire drowning? Thomas prepared for a rescue.
( Read more... )
media_gazer_feed
Nicole Sperling / New York Times:
A profile of Netflix's film division chair Dan Lin, who's greenlit 88 films since 2024, shifting strategy toward budget discipline and in-house development — When Dan Lin, the chairman of Netflix's film division, read the script for a survival thriller set in the remote wilderness of Australia …
Let’s fist some bad guys!
Jun. 4th, 2026 08:08 amshadowhiveSo I had hoped to do this post last night, had even started it, but I totally crashed last night, first tuning out then going zzz completely.
Wednesday night ended up being low energy again. I pretty much just set up the laptop to transfer switch 2 caps over (oop there’s over 6000 each on pokopia and Tomodachi life, I’ve gotta go through and delete a bunch now) and watched the last two Amazing Digital Circus eps that were on Netflix.
Yesterday was a trip to town for Masters Of The Universe (and Amazing Digital Circus). I didn’t do much beforehand just got more cat food from b and m, picked up Sleep Token tees from Primark and gettting noms. I also went in Smyths but I couldn’t see the demogorgon they were meant to have (the Care Bears were Lucas and Mike not Dustin like I hoped, but I did get a Funko of a plant and Kane from Alien, with a chestburster on his face).
I love the guy at the cinema, he said I’d be able to see the earlier showing of Digital Circus (I wasn’t sure causa timing so it saved me sitting around for an hour) and up he loved Mandalorian season 3 too! (Which is oddly rare). Though it’s odd he hasn’t seen the film despite literally working in a cinema showing it,
The showing for Masters Of The Universe was pretty quiet, I think there was only about 10 of us which felt a bit of a shame, but then maybe other showings did better. By contrast The Amazing Digital Circus showing was pretty full. The only showing of something that was fuller was Iron Lung, but hey it’s good that people are coming to see this stuff in cinemas.
Trailers were largely ones I’d seen before, so there was Supergirl, Spiderman and The Odyssey.also one called One Night Only but the premise seems strange (like there’s no way humans would have sex be legal for one night of the year). I missed some of the Digital Circus trailers but there was one for Angel’s Egg (I’m kinda curious) and, ironically Masters Of The Universe. (I am curious what the other trailers were).
Also before I went in someone came from one of the other screens and I heard The Mandalorian And Grogu music which made me wanna see it again. Maybe when I see Disclosure Day next Saturday. (But I digress)
Before going into the films, if you’re seeing Masters Of The Universe there is both a mid and post credits scene.
Having said that thoughts ahoy! (Shouldn’t be too spoilery though)
( Read more... )
Next cinema trio should be Monday to see the new Scary Movie but also an Attenborough documentary on the Ocean and I’m a sucker for the sea. Then I’m hoping to see Disclosure Day once my money goes in.
This weekend there’s some gaming things (summer game fest and x-box direct) but I’m also hoping to watch stuff. The original Scary Movie is on prime so I’m hoping to see it before the new one (oddly 2, 3 and 5 are too but not 4). I might try and do a run over the next week + if I can find 4 (I’ve not seen 5). And I wanna try and watch Pizza Movie or Touch Me. We’ll see.
I might finally get back to The Pitt tonight too and start Criminal Minds Saturday (cause Connor Storrie is in it) and continue spider-noir (it’s really good so far!). And try and finish Welcome To Derry(watch more Tales Of 85 and Heated Rivalry, but we’ll see what I fit in)
Wednesday night ended up being low energy again. I pretty much just set up the laptop to transfer switch 2 caps over (oop there’s over 6000 each on pokopia and Tomodachi life, I’ve gotta go through and delete a bunch now) and watched the last two Amazing Digital Circus eps that were on Netflix.
Yesterday was a trip to town for Masters Of The Universe (and Amazing Digital Circus). I didn’t do much beforehand just got more cat food from b and m, picked up Sleep Token tees from Primark and gettting noms. I also went in Smyths but I couldn’t see the demogorgon they were meant to have (the Care Bears were Lucas and Mike not Dustin like I hoped, but I did get a Funko of a plant and Kane from Alien, with a chestburster on his face).
I love the guy at the cinema, he said I’d be able to see the earlier showing of Digital Circus (I wasn’t sure causa timing so it saved me sitting around for an hour) and up he loved Mandalorian season 3 too! (Which is oddly rare). Though it’s odd he hasn’t seen the film despite literally working in a cinema showing it,
The showing for Masters Of The Universe was pretty quiet, I think there was only about 10 of us which felt a bit of a shame, but then maybe other showings did better. By contrast The Amazing Digital Circus showing was pretty full. The only showing of something that was fuller was Iron Lung, but hey it’s good that people are coming to see this stuff in cinemas.
Trailers were largely ones I’d seen before, so there was Supergirl, Spiderman and The Odyssey.also one called One Night Only but the premise seems strange (like there’s no way humans would have sex be legal for one night of the year). I missed some of the Digital Circus trailers but there was one for Angel’s Egg (I’m kinda curious) and, ironically Masters Of The Universe. (I am curious what the other trailers were).
Also before I went in someone came from one of the other screens and I heard The Mandalorian And Grogu music which made me wanna see it again. Maybe when I see Disclosure Day next Saturday. (But I digress)
Before going into the films, if you’re seeing Masters Of The Universe there is both a mid and post credits scene.
Having said that thoughts ahoy! (Shouldn’t be too spoilery though)
( Read more... )
Next cinema trio should be Monday to see the new Scary Movie but also an Attenborough documentary on the Ocean and I’m a sucker for the sea. Then I’m hoping to see Disclosure Day once my money goes in.
This weekend there’s some gaming things (summer game fest and x-box direct) but I’m also hoping to watch stuff. The original Scary Movie is on prime so I’m hoping to see it before the new one (oddly 2, 3 and 5 are too but not 4). I might try and do a run over the next week + if I can find 4 (I’ve not seen 5). And I wanna try and watch Pizza Movie or Touch Me. We’ll see.
I might finally get back to The Pitt tonight too and start Criminal Minds Saturday (cause Connor Storrie is in it) and continue spider-noir (it’s really good so far!). And try and finish Welcome To Derry(watch more Tales Of 85 and Heated Rivalry, but we’ll see what I fit in)
Medical Update.
Jun. 5th, 2026 01:05 ampattroseI feel like a yo-yo. One week we discussed radiation, the next week we discussed surgery. I saw the new surgeon and I'm back to radiation again. I have a little note I wrote when I finished with the surgeon.
Hi everyone. I saw the surgeon today. He can do the surgery but he would be a little weary choosing it. Afterwards I might need more oxygen which I didn't like hearing. Plus after the surgery every six months I'd need a CT scan for 2 years. Then once a year for 3-5 years. So it's just like radiation. There is a chance that the lung could get it again. The surgery is pretty brutal. And for two months I would be in pain. He said the rib area is very painful. He thinks 5 doses of radiation would be plenty. I still have to see the radiation oncologist. I'll try to set that up tomorrow. I mean I'll call tomorrow. This doctor was so nice. I found myself choosing easily. I'm going to cancel the 2nd surgeons appt. No need to see him. So basically I will have 5 days of radiation and not have surgery which would have taken 8-10 weeks to heal. I will let you know when I'll start radiation. This was very long-winded. 😂😂 Sorry. I feel really good about my decision.
Hi everyone. I saw the surgeon today. He can do the surgery but he would be a little weary choosing it. Afterwards I might need more oxygen which I didn't like hearing. Plus after the surgery every six months I'd need a CT scan for 2 years. Then once a year for 3-5 years. So it's just like radiation. There is a chance that the lung could get it again. The surgery is pretty brutal. And for two months I would be in pain. He said the rib area is very painful. He thinks 5 doses of radiation would be plenty. I still have to see the radiation oncologist. I'll try to set that up tomorrow. I mean I'll call tomorrow. This doctor was so nice. I found myself choosing easily. I'm going to cancel the 2nd surgeons appt. No need to see him. So basically I will have 5 days of radiation and not have surgery which would have taken 8-10 weeks to heal. I will let you know when I'll start radiation. This was very long-winded. 😂😂 Sorry. I feel really good about my decision.
June questions
Jun. 5th, 2026 01:01 ampattroseHave you learned anything new in the past year (a new hobby/craft/language/fact)?
Just everything I never wanted to know about lung cancer. But it is fascinating.
Just everything I never wanted to know about lung cancer. But it is fascinating.
Jokes
Jun. 5th, 2026 12:45 ampattrose* The owner of the tuxedo store kept hovering over me when i was browsing, so I asked him to leave me alone. He said, “Fine, suit yourself.”
* Why did the egg have a day off? Because it was Fryday.
* Have you ever heard about the kidnapping at school? It's okay, he woke up.
* Why did the coffee taste like dirt? Because it was ground just a few minutes ago.
* Why do quarterbacks tell obvious jokes? So they don't go over their receivers' heads.
* Why did the egg have a day off? Because it was Fryday.
* Have you ever heard about the kidnapping at school? It's okay, he woke up.
* Why did the coffee taste like dirt? Because it was ground just a few minutes ago.
* Why do quarterbacks tell obvious jokes? So they don't go over their receivers' heads.
Господи, який жах...
Jun. 5th, 2026 10:54 amargument_qПідступна тактика ворога: касетні частини ракет "Іскандер-М" нині вибухають із затримкою в 30 хвилин
https://censor.net/ua/n4006860
https://censor.net/ua/n4006860
Conversation starters
Jun. 5th, 2026 12:26 ampattrose* Who is the funniest person in your family? My dad was hilarious. We miss laughing with him so much. Now I have a grandson who is quite the comedian. He cracks us up without even trying.
* Who is the coolest ancestor you have? And what did they do? I have to say that all our grandparents came to this country knowing no English and no family or friends here. Both of my grandfathers opened a restaurant. My Italian grandfather’s place was called Sunnyside Cafe. He came over in his 20s and died from Hong Kong Flu at 59. It was a very nice little place. My grandmother was also from Italy. She married grandpa and worked the tables. She died at 93.
My Greek grandfather came from Greece and opened up a hot dog shop. He worked very hard and passed away at 92. My grandmother came from Sweden. She was the hardest worker I have ever met. Nothing was too hard for her to try or do. She died at 94.
I feel like they were the coolest and the hardest-working people I'veBb ever met. I was very proud of all of them.
* Who is the coolest ancestor you have? And what did they do? I have to say that all our grandparents came to this country knowing no English and no family or friends here. Both of my grandfathers opened a restaurant. My Italian grandfather’s place was called Sunnyside Cafe. He came over in his 20s and died from Hong Kong Flu at 59. It was a very nice little place. My grandmother was also from Italy. She married grandpa and worked the tables. She died at 93.
My Greek grandfather came from Greece and opened up a hot dog shop. He worked very hard and passed away at 92. My grandmother came from Sweden. She was the hardest worker I have ever met. Nothing was too hard for her to try or do. She died at 94.
I feel like they were the coolest and the hardest-working people I'veBb ever met. I was very proud of all of them.
Addition And Subtraction
Jun. 5th, 2026 08:32 ampoliphilo Life is a process of addition and subtraction. You lose one thing and gain another. You lose the freedom of youth and gain the security of family life- and so on. Of course it's never as clearcut as that. There are gains within losses and losses within gains- and, if you're being properly Zen about it- both gains and losses are illusory.
You think you've found peace in old age but things still keep occuring- and the only peace that you can count on is that which comes from within......
Peace (on Earth, anyway) isn't about the absence of troubles and annoyances but how you deal with them when they arise.
As Kipling wrote (in a poem that's deeper than it seems)
"If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same......"
You think you've found peace in old age but things still keep occuring- and the only peace that you can count on is that which comes from within......
Peace (on Earth, anyway) isn't about the absence of troubles and annoyances but how you deal with them when they arise.
As Kipling wrote (in a poem that's deeper than it seems)
"If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same......"